The Federal High Court in Abuja has adjourned the trial of former Attorney-General of the Federation, Abubakar Malami, and his son, Abdulaziz, in a case involving alleged terrorism financing and illegal possession of firearms. The trial has been rescheduled for April 15 and 16, with both defendants present in court before Justice Joyce Abdulmalik on Tuesday.
During proceedings, the prosecution, led by Mr. Akinlolu Kehinde, SAN, requested the adjournment, citing that he had only recently taken over the case and needed time to confer with witnesses. Counsel to the defendants, Mr. Shuaibu Arua, SAN, did not oppose the request, which the court subsequently granted.
The case, filed by the Department of State Services (DSS) under charge number FHC/ABJ/CR/63/2026, includes five counts relating to terrorism financing and unlawful possession of firearms. Malami is accused of refusing to prosecute suspected terrorism financiers during his tenure as AGF and Minister of Justice, which allegedly abetted terrorism financing.
Counts two to five relate to the illegal possession of a Sturm Magnum 17-0101 firearm, 16 live Redstar AAA 5’20 cartridges, and 27 expended cartridges, all allegedly stored at the defendants’ residence in Gesse Phase II Area, Birnin Kebbi. The offences are said to contravene the Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022, and the Firearms Act, 2004.
The DSS initially handed the case over to the Office of the Attorney-General of the Federation on March 4, marking the original start of the full hearing. The court’s adjournment allows the prosecution additional time to prepare, while the trial remains under judicial supervision pending the rescheduled dates.
